From the Guidelines
A Delta-8 vaporizer is a device used to inhale Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-8-THC), a psychoactive cannabinoid similar to Δ-9-THC, often containing high amounts of unregulated synthetic THC.
Key Points
- Δ-8-THC products, including vaporizers, are widely available online and in retail shops, despite being largely unstudied and unregulated 1.
- These products can provide a psychoactive effect similar to that of Δ-9-THC, with potential health effects including accidental intoxication and psychosis 1.
- The cannabis plant, from which Δ-8-THC is derived, contains hundreds of compounds, including cannabinoids with psychoactive effects like THC and CBD 1.
- The use of cannabis, including Δ-8-THC, has been associated with various health effects, including anxiety, memory impairment, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure, as well as potential long-term effects like mental health and chronic respiratory problems 1.
- The regulatory framework for cannabis is evolving, with potential changes to its Schedule I status and increased availability for research purposes 1.
Important Considerations
- The health effects of Δ-8-THC are not well understood due to a lack of regulation and research, making it essential to approach its use with caution 1.
- The increasing availability and potency of cannabis products, including Δ-8-THC vaporizers, may elevate the risk for health problems, particularly among young adults and those with pre-existing conditions 1.
From the Research
Definition and Availability of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol
- Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is a psychoactive substance from the Cannabis plant that has been rising in popularity in the United States since the 2018 US Farm Bill implicitly legalized it 2.
- Δ8-THC is chemically and functionally similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant 3.
- Δ8-THC products, including vapes, are widely available "over-the-counter" across the United States due to unregulated sales, and are often marketed as legal hemp products 3, 2.
Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Vaporizers
- Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol vaporizers are devices used to consume Δ8-THC, which can be found in various products such as ready-to-use vaporizer cartridges 4.
- The use of Δ8-THC vaporizers has raised health concerns due to the lack of regulation and potential impurities in the products 3, 2, 4.
- Studies have found that Δ8-THC products, including vaporizers, may contain impurities in concentrations far beyond what is declared on certificates of analysis, which can have unknown effects on the human body 4.
Health Concerns and Risks
- The widespread availability of Δ8-THC products, including vaporizers, has not been without health consequences, with reports of medical emergencies, including calls to poison control centers and presentations to emergency departments 3, 2.
- Δ8-THC produces physiological and toxicological effects similar to Δ9-THC, and high-dose exposure can result in negative consequences, including anxiety, sleep disturbance, and breathing problems 3, 2, 5.
- There is a need for regulation and quality control of Δ8-THC products, including vaporizers, to mitigate the risks associated with their use 3, 2.